patient with a lumbosacral strain will typically report

Patients typically describe pain emanating in a band-like distribution from a central region in the lumbosacral spine. The pain is exacerbated by movement. They may report tightness along the lumbosacral paraspinal muscle region.

Full Answer

What is a strain on the lumbosacral area?

The lumbosacral area (low back) is between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the buttocks. A strain is tearing of muscles and tendons. These tears can be very small but still cause pain. Muscles and tendons connected to the spine can be strained in a number of ways:

What are the risk factors for lumbar strain?

Risk factors include repetitive or heavy lifting, prolonged abnormal position of the trunk (rotated, flexed, hyperextended), poor body mechanics or ergonomics, core weakness, and tight/weak hip girdle musculature (e.g., hamstrings, hip flexors). 3 Muscle pain due to lumbar strain may be due to:

Which lab studies are indicated in the workup of lumbar strain?

Lab studies are typically not indicated for lumbar strain. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and/or C-reactive protein (CRP) may be obtained to rule out infection or inflammatory arthritis when such suspicion exists.

What are the treatment goals for lumbar strain injury?

Treatment of lumbar strain injury is predominantly symptomatic. The treatment goal is to control pain and inflammation, optimize return to function, and prevent disability.

What is a lumbosacral strain?

Lumbosacral Strain Explained A lumbosacral strain is a medical term for an injury that causes low back pain. Specifically, the lumbosacral area refers to the low back and exists between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the buttocks. Generally speaking, a strain is defined as a tearing of muscles and tendons.

How is lumbar strain diagnosed?

How is lumbar strain diagnosed?X-ray. A diagnostic test that produces images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan). This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body.

What does lumbar strain feel like?

Symptoms to expect from a pulled lower back muscle—or any type of lower back strain—typically include: Dull, achy low back pain. Strained muscles usually feel sore, tight, or achy. Pain that feels hot, tingling, or electric is more likely caused by an irritated nerve root, not a pulled muscle.

How do you evaluate back pain?

If there is reason to suspect that a specific condition is causing your back pain, your doctor might order one or more tests:X-ray. These images show the alignment of your bones and whether you have arthritis or broken bones. ... MRI or CT scans. ... Blood tests. ... Bone scan. ... Nerve studies.

What happens when you strain your back?

Back strain typically causes an achy pain that's usually limited to the injured area. But the pain can also travel down into the buttock area. You may also notice decreased flexibility of your movement. Your joints can become "guarded" if moving them is painful.

How common is lumbar strain?

Up to one-quarter of the population will have low back pain in any given year. Greater than 90% of the population will experience at least one episode of back pain during their lifetime. Lumbar strain is the cause of low back pain in 70% of cases, and is most common between age 20 and 50.

How do you know if you strained your back?

Symptoms of a strain or sprain include: Pain that gets worse when you move. Muscle cramping or spasms (sudden uncontrollable muscle contractions) Decreased function and/or range of motion of the joint (difficulty walking, bending forward or sideways, or standing straight)

What muscles are involved in lumbar strain?

The most common muscles that are responsible for Low Back Pain are the Iliopsoas, Quadratus Lumborum, the Gluteals and the Multifidus muscles.

Is a lumbar strain serious?

While a lumbar strain may not sound like a serious injury, it can be the source of surprisingly severe pain. Lumbar strains are among the most common causes of lower back pain, and the reason for many emergency room visits each year. A lumbar strain can occur at any age, but it is most common in those in their forties.

What physical signs would you look for on clinical examination of a patient with back pain?

Clinical Categories of Low Back PainPOTENTIALLY SERIOUS SPINAL CONDITIONS.SCIATICA.NONSPECIFIC BACK SYMPTOMS.GAIT AND POSTURE.RANGE OF MOTION.PALPATION OR PERCUSSION OF THE SPINE.HEEL-TOE WALK AND SQUAT AND RISE.PALPATION OF THE SCIATIC NOTCH.More items...•

Which of the following symptoms suggests a more serious cause of back pain?

Some symptoms (often called "red flag" symptoms) may suggest that the back pain has a more serious cause. These include fever, recent trauma, weight loss, a history of cancer and neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or incontinence (involuntary loss of urine or stool).

What is a positive SLR?

The straight leg raise (SLR) test is the most commonly performed physical test for diagnosis of sciatica and lumbar disc hernia [10]. The SLR is considered positive when it evokes radiating pain along the course of the sciatic nerve and below the knee between 30 and 70 degrees of hip flexion [2].

How does a lumbosacral strain happen?

How a lumbosacral strain happens. Muscles and tendons connected to the spine can be strained in a number of ways: Sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time. This can harm the low back over time. Poor posture can make low back pain more likely. Moving the muscles and tendons past their usual range of motion.

How to tell if lumbosacral strain is a symptom?

Symptoms of lumbosacral strain. Symptoms may include: Pain in the back, often on one side. Pain that gets worse with movement and gets better with rest. Inability to move as freely as usual. Swelling, slight redness, and skin warmth in the painful area.

What is a lumbosacral strain?

Understanding Lumbosacral Strain. Lumbosacral strain is a medical term for an injury that causes low back pain. The lumbosacral area (low back) is between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the buttocks. A strain is tearing of muscles and tendons. These tears can be very small but still cause pain.

How long does it take for lumbosacral strain to go away?

Treatment for lumbosacral strain. Low back pain often goes away by itself within several weeks. But it often comes back. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and avoiding further injury. Bed rest is usually not recommended for low back pain. Treatments may include:

What is the best way to reduce swelling and pain?

Cold or heat packs. These help reduce pain and swelling.

What is the purpose of avoiding or changing the action that caused the problem?

Avoiding or changing the action that caused the problem. This helps prevent injuring the tissues again.

Can a lumbosacral strain be caused by a fall?

This can cause a sudden injury. This can happen when you twist, bend over, or lift something heavy. Not using correct technique for sports or tasks like lifting can make back injury more likely. Accidents or falls. Lumbosacral strain can be caused by other problems, but these are less common.

How to tell if lumbosacral strain is a symptom?

Symptoms of lumbosacral strain. Symptoms may include: Pain in the back, often on one side. Pain that gets worse with movement and gets better with rest. Inability to move as freely as usual. Swelling, slight redness, and skin warmth in the painful area.

What is a lumbosacral strain?

Understanding Lumbosacral Strain. Lumbosacral strain is a medical term for an injury that causes low back pain. The lumbosacral area (low back) is between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the buttocks. A strain is tearing of muscles and tendons. These tears can be very small but still cause pain.

How long does it take for lumbosacral strain to go away?

Treatment for lumbosacral strain. Low back pain often goes away by itself within several weeks. But it often comes back. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and avoiding further injury. Bed rest is usually not recommended for low back pain. Treatments may include: Avoiding or changing the action that caused the problem.

What is the best way to reduce swelling and pain?

Cold or heat packs. These help reduce pain and swelling.

What is the purpose of avoiding or changing the action that caused the problem?

Avoiding or changing the action that caused the problem. This helps prevent injuring the tissues again.

Can a lumbosacral strain cause pain in the lower back?

This can harm the low back over time. Poor posture can make low back pain more likely.

Can a lumbosacral strain be caused by a fall?

This can cause a sudden injury. This can happen when you twist, bend over, or lift something heavy. Not using correct technique for sports or tasks like lifting can make back injury more likely. Accidents or falls. Lumbosacral strain can be caused by other problems, but these are less common.

What vitamin is used in carpal tunnel?

D. vitamin B6 injections in the carpal tunnel.

Can back strengthening cause muscle soreness?

B. Back-strengthening exercises can cause mild muscle soreness.

How long does it take for lumbar pain to go away?

Subacute (4 weeks to 12 weeks): Most episodes of low back pain due to lumbar strain are self-limited. Most patients (75-90%) have significant improvement in pain and function within one month.

What is the fifth most common reason for a doctor to see you?

Low back pain (LBP) is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits. Up to one-quarter of the population will have low back pain in any given year. Greater than 90% of the population will experience at least one episode of back pain during their lifetime. 1 Lumbar strain is the cause of low back pain in 70% of cases, and is most common between age 20 and 50. 2

What is lumbar strain?

Lumbar strain is characterized by nonradiating low back pain associated with a mechanical stress or creating an abnormal position that puts the muscle beyond its limit .

Why do you need a lumbar MRI?

5 Lumbar MRI should be considered for patients presenting with red flags raising suspicion for serious underlying conditions such as cauda equina syndrome, malignancy, or infection. 5 Electrodiagnostic studies are not indicated unless there are neurological deficits identified.

Why does my lumbar muscle hurt?

Muscle pain due to lumbar strain may be due to: Muscle fiber tearing from indirect trauma, such as excessive stretch or tension. Muscle fatigue due to overuse. There may be a metabolic component due to an increased presence of lactic acid. Muscle spasm, which is associated with persistent muscle contraction.

What is muscle spasm?

Muscle spasm, which is associated with persistent muscle contraction. The reduction of blood flow with subsequent accumulation of metabolites may stimulate pain receptors in blood vessels. Muscle spasm can be a result of muscle fatigue or occur independently. Paraspinal muscles becoming deconditioned after injury.

What are the environmental factors that cause lumbar strain?

Environmental factors associated with lumbar strain include heavy and/or repetitive lifting prolonged sitting, and poor ergonomic conditions.

How a lumbosacral strain happens

Muscles and tendons connected to the spine can be strained in a number of ways:

Treatment for lumbosacral strain

Low back pain often goes away by itself within several weeks. But it often comes back. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and avoiding further injury. Bed rest is usually not recommended for low back pain. Treatments may include:

Possible complications of lumbosacral strain

If the cause of the pain is not addressed, symptoms may return or get worse. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on lifestyle changes and treating your back.